David Burnett - December 2019
This month we are pleased to feature David Burnett of Central Texas. David joined the DCI team as a contractor two years ago after he enjoyed a long and successful career in Sales and Marketing. David is a jack-of-all-trades! David greatly enjoys his experiences and networking in the ag industry - and is also a celebrated public speaker and author. Enjoy reading more about David in this month's Spotlight.
How did you get involved with DCI?
A few years ago, I had left my job as a Sales and Marketing Manager for a large pest control company to further pursue my consulting business, my public speaking business, and my book writing business. My brother, the President of the Texas PCA at the time, received a call from a recruiter at Direct Contact looking to network in order to find a contractor for a project in my area. My brother let me know about the opportunity and because I had a pest control background and because of my experience as a Sales and Marketing Specialist, I decided to give it a try! Therefore, I have been a contractor with DCI for nearly two years working on different projects that suit my diverse skills and background.
Tell us about your background:
I have a Bachelors Degree in Business from Concordia University. I spent 10 years as a Chief Financial Officer for an environmental firm. I also spent over 25 years in sales and marketing management positions. Furthermore, I have been a business consultant along the way as well.
What is the best thing about being a DCI Contractor?
The flexibility that the positions have offered! The people at Direct Contact that I have worked with have been fantastic, including Project Manager Stephanie Runyon, Recruiting Manager Sarah Burtch and Senior Recruiter, Andrea Gottbrath. Furthermore, my manager in the field for the project I am currently working has been just awesome to work with - these people have been the best thing!
What would you like to share about your home and family life?
I live in Central Texas. I am married and have 2 children, one stepson, and 3 grandchildren. All of my kids and grandkids live in Central Texas as well. I grew up in agriculture and my mom and dad both came from a farming background!
What was your first job?
My first job after my college years was as a Sales and Marketing District Manager for USA TODAY National Newspaper.
What do you do during the first hour of the morning?
Drink coffee, listen to inspirational music, drink more coffee ... coffee ... coffee, read a Bible verse, and drink more coffee!
What are your hobbies and interests?
Hunting, golf, traveling. I am also a student of history and read a great deal of historical books.
What is your greatest achievement?
This is a hard question! Raising my children, spending 14 years as a coach of their baseball and softball teams. Keeping my faith through thick and thin.
What are you ordering for your favorite meal?
Ribeye steak, baked potato, asparagus, salad, and ice tea.
Who are your favorite music artists and sports team?
Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys and University of Texas Longhorns. Favorite music group: George Strait, Dwight Yoakum, and Jason Boland.
Tell us about your favorite pet.
Barney, my childhood dog who would roam the woods with me as a teenager.
What three people (living or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
George Washington, Lee Trevino, and Wyatt Earp
What historical figure do you admire most?
George Washington
What was the first concert you attended?
I can’t remember for sure - George Strait, John Denver, or Boston.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Drinking beer while watching the dancers two-step and waltz in a Texas dance hall.
Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know:
I am in the process of writing several books.
Where in the world are you dying to visit?
Israel, Scotland, Greece
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
From my mom: "Sometimes life can give us hard times, but keep your head up son and keep going." From my dad: "Son, sometimes it seems life is a test for us, to test our faith. It’s up to us if we succeed in that test or not."
